INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT MATTERS

(ON/OFF CAMPUS

OR WITHIN HALLS OF RESIDENCE)

/

1. Introduction

A case for investigatory action shall exist if a student is alleged to have:

  • engaged in conduct, which disrupts teaching, learning or administration in the University;
  • interfered or attempted to interfere with an employee of the University in the performance of their duties;
  • wilfully damaged or defaced University property or treated as their own the property of the University or of an employee and/or student of the University;
  • broken the Code of Conduct which applies both on and off Campus in such a way as to bring discredit upon the University;
  • broken a published rule of the University.

2. Investigative Procedure

2.1 Allegations of misconduct as described above should be made to the appropriate Investigative Officer responsible:

  • On Campus:Faculty Dean or nominee;
  • Off Campus:Director of Student Support or nominee;
  • Within a Halls of Residence: Residential Support Co-ordinator

2.2 If the Investigative Officer believes that there is a need for investigation they will formally invite the student(s) to an investigatory interview. The Investigative Officer should be accompanied by an appropriate staff member for the purpose of taking notes. At this interview the student may be accompanied by a friend or representative, and should have been invited to do so by the investigative officer.

2.3 At the conclusion of the investigation, the Investigative Officer can:

  • Declare that there is insufficient evidence to proceed
  • Find that there is no case to answer,
  • Find that there is a case to answer, and then take one of the following 4 options:
  • Issue a written warning.
  • Refer the matter to the Housing Manager – in respect to an incident within any halls of residence.
  • Refer the matter to the Director of Student Support requesting the invoking of the University Fitness to Study/Practice Procedures
  • Refer the matter to the Deputy Vice Chancellor requesting the invoking of the University Disciplinary procedures through the Vice Chancellor’s office.

2.4 Once the investigation has been concluded the Investigative Officer will submit a report to the relevant interested parties (i.e. the student(s) involved, the complainant, Director of Student Support, Faculty Dean etc). The report will set out the misconduct alleged, a brief summary of evidence received and the grounds for the finding of the verdict reached.

2.5 The University reserves the right to receive formal reports from the police and to utilise such reports as the ‘formal investigation’, and as such not appoint an Investigative Officer to investigate. As such, the Deputy Vice Chancellor may receive such reports and invoke the Disciplinary Procedures directly.

3. Rights of Appeal

3.1 If a student wishes to appeal against the verdict issued under these procedures they must write within 5 working days, to the Deputy Vice Chancellor

3.2 Upon receipt of the letter the Deputy Vice Chancellorwill respond to the student within 10 working days. The decision of the Deputy Vice Chancellor will be final.

V. 6Oct 2012